Adjustable headset

ABSTRACT

A headset of adjustable size including a pair of headphones each having a pair of parallel tracks formed therein and receiving a pair of electrical conductors associated with a headband assembly adjustably connecting the headphones. Each headphone is adjustable relative to the headband assembly between fully extended and retracted positions of the conductors. An electrically conductive coil spring connects the end of each conductor disposed within an associated headphone case to an associated terminal mounted in the case. The length of each spring remains substantially unchanged as the headset is adjusted to its various sizes.

United States Patent Turner Jan. 18, 1972 [54] ADJUSTABLE HEADSET Primary ExaminerWilliam C. Cooper [72] inventor. Justin L. Turner, Branford, Conn. Att0mey McCormick Paulding & Huber [73] Assignee: Educational Service Programs, Inc., New

Haven, Conn. [57] ABSTRACT [22] Filed: Nov. 3, 1969 Appl. No.: 873,350

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/1967 Konzelmann et al. ..l79/l56 A headset of adjustable size including a pair of headphones each having a pair of parallel tracks formed therein and receiving a pair of electrical conductors associated with a headband assembly adjustably connecting the headphones. Each headphone is adjustable relative to the headband assembly between fully extended and retracted positions of the conductors. An electrically conductive coil spring connects the end of each conductor disposed within an associated headphone case to an associated terminal mounted in the case. The length of each spring remains substantially unchanged as the headset is adjusted to its various sizes.

10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTED JAN 1 8 1972 l l III. I

INVENTOR.

JUSTIN L TURNER ATTORNEYS ADJUSTABLE HEADSET BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to headsets and deals more particularly with an improved headset of adjustable size which includes a headband and at least one headphone electrically connected to the headband and adjustable relative thereto.

The general aim of the present invention is to provide a headset of the aforedescribed character including improved means for providing adjustable connection between the headband and one or more associated headphones. A further aim of the invention is to provide an improved headset of durable construction which is economical to manufacture and which will function efficiently and remain in adjusted position even after subjected to wear caused by frequent adjustment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, an improved headset is provided which comprises a hollow headphone case having at least one guide track formed therein and a headband assembly including at least one elongated electrical conductor slidably received in the guide track for adjustment through a range of positions between fully extended and retracted positions relative to the case. An electrically conductive spring member provides electrical connection between the end of the conductor disposed in the headphone case and an associated terminal mounted in the case. The tenninal and coil spring are constructed and arranged so that the length of the spring remains substantially constant in all adjusted positions of the headset.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a frontal view of a headset made in accordance with the present invention and shown in wearing position.

FIG. 2 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the headset of FIG. 1 and shows one of the headphones with a portion of its cover broken away to reveal the interior thereof.

FIG. 3 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary frontal view of the headset of FIG. 1, but shows the other headphone, the headphone case being shown in vertical section.

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 2, but shows the other headphone with its cover removed to reveal the interior thereof.

FIG. 5 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a somewhat enlarged sectional view taken along the line 66 of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Turning now to the drawing, a headset embodying the present invention and indicated generally by the numeral 10 in FIG. 1 comprises a headband assembly 12 and a pair of headphones 14 and 16 connected to the headband assembly and adjustable relative thereto. The illustrated headset 10 may be adjusted to vary the size thereof and comprises a wholly self-contained unit which includes an integral receiver, such as an audio induction receiver, adapted to receive signals from a remote transmitter. It should be understood, however, that a headset may be constructed in accordance with the present invention for electrical connection to a separate signal source, as, for example, a portable radio receiver carried by the wearer or other signal generator, and such arrangements are contemplated within the scope of the invention. The headband assembly 12 is adjustable with respect to each of the headphones through a range of positions between a fully extended and a fully retracted position to vary the size of the headset to. In FIG. 2, the headband assembly 12 is shown by solid lines in its fully retracted position with respect to the headphone 16, the fully extended position of the headband assembly being indicated by broken lines.

The headband assembly 12 includes an elongated flexible headband 18 made from a resilient deformable material adapted to be readily deformed to and set in a desired arcuate contour. Preferably, and as shown, the headband 18 comprises a pair of adjacent insulated electrical conductors 20, 20 joined together along their entire length. Referring now particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, a typical end portion of the headband assembly 12 is shown and includes a connecting block 22. The block is preferably molded from plastic material having electrically insulating characteristics and is attached to and extends transversely outwardly in opposite directions from a lower end of the headband l2. A pair of elongated electrically conductive members 24, 24 extend downwardly from the block 22 near the outer ends thereof in generally parallel relation to each other. Each member 24 has a generally rectangular cross section and is electrically connected to an associated conductor 20 within the block 22. A tab or terminal 26 is formed at the lower extremity of each member 24 and bent inwardly or toward the opposite member 24 for a purpose which will be hereinafter further evident.

Each of the headphones 14 and I6 is substantially identical to the other in outward appearance, but differs therefrom with respect to the equipment contained therein. More specifically, the headphone 16 contains essentially only a speaker 28, whereas the other headphone 14 contains another speaker 28a and also a receiver30. Electrical connection between the two speakers is provided by the headband assembly 12 in a manner which will be hereinafter further described. Each of the headphones l4 and 16 has a hollow case indicated generally at 32 which is preferably molded from the same plastic material from which the block 22 is made. The case 32 is made in two parts and includes a hollow body 34 and a mating cover 36.

Considering the body 34 in further detail and referring particularly to the body of the headphone 14, as it appears in FIGS. 3 and 4, it is generally rectangular and includes a top wall 37, a bottom wall 38, sidewalls 40, 40 and a rear wall 42 which cooperate to define a forwardly opening main compartment 44. Another compartment 46 accessible through an opening in the rear wall 42 is formed within the lower part of the main compartment 44 and separated therefrom by a dividing wall 48 which extends transversely between the sidewalls 40, 40. The upper portion of each sidewall 40 is substantially thicker than the lower portion thereof and has a vertically extending slot 50 formed therein and opening forwardly and upwardly through the upper wall 37. The slot 50 partially defines a track for slidably receiving an associated member 24. A portion of each sidewall 40 is relieved or cut away inwardly of its associated slot 50 to provide a downwardly facing abutment surface 52 for engaging the associated tab 26 to limit the travel of the headband assembly 12 in an upwardly direction or toward its extended position. A shallow recess 54 formed in each sidewall 40 opens forwardly and inwardly thereof for receiving and retaining an associated portion of the speaker 28a. The body 34 also includes an integral tab 56 which depends from the central portion of the upper wall 37 near the forward edge thereof.

The receiver 30 includes a generally rectangular printed circuit board 58 loosely received within the compartment 44, disposed generally adjacent the rear wall 42 and restrained against movement by the upper wall 37, the dividing wall 48 and the sidewalls 40, 40. A plurality of electronic components mounted on the front surface of the board 58 and near the marginal portions thereof are electrically connected by printed circuits on the rear surface of the board. A pair of electrical terminals 60, 60 are mounted in fixed position on the circuit board 58 near the opposite side edges thereof. Each terminal 60 is located approximately midway between the uppermost and lowermost positions of an associated tab 26 which positions respectively correspond to fully extended and retracted positions of the headband assembly [8. Flexible connection between each terminal 60 and its associated tab 26 is provided by a flexible electrical connector or coil spring 62.

The normal or contracted length of the connecting spring 62 is at least approximately equal to or greater than the maximum distance between the terminal 60 and its associated tab 26 when the headband assembly 12 is in either its fully extended or fully retracted position. Power for the receiver 30 is provided by a power supply unit or battery 63 received in and generally complementing the compartment 46. A pair of spring terminals 65, 65 disposed within the compartment 46 established electrical connection between the battery 63 and the receiver and also serve to releasably retain the battery in the compartment.

The speaker 28a is of a generally conventionally type and has a conical frame which includes an annular flange 64. Diametrically opposite portions of the flange 64 reside within the recesses 54, 54 when the speaker 28a is in its assembled position within the body 34. The speaker 280 also has a cylindrical coil housing '70 which projects rearwardly from the conical frame and bears against the central portion of the printed circuit board 58 to retain the receiver 30 in a relatively fixed position of assembly within the case.

The speaker 28a is retained in assembly with the case 32 by cooperation between the body 34 and the cover 36. The cover 36 is substantially flat and has a hooklike projection 72 near the upper edge thereof for interlocking engagement with the tab 56 to aid in retaining the cover in assembly with the body. A pair of vertically disposed finlike projections 74, 74 extend rearwardly of the upper portion of the cover near the opposite side edges thereof. Each projection 74 has a vertically disposed rearwardly facing bearing surface 75 and a width substantially equal to the width of an associated slot 50. Each projection extends for some distance into its associated slots so that its bearing surface 75 bears against an associated member 24 to further define the track in which the member slides. An annular gasket 76 adhesively attached to the rear surface of the cover complements and bears against the speaker flange 64 to retain it in the recesses 54, 54. A shallow concave recess 78 is formed in the front surface of the cover in coaxial alignment with the speaker 28a and it will be noted that the case is perforated in this concave region for emission of sound waves. A small aperture 80 formed in the case below the recess 78 and in alignment with the battery compartment 46 permits a rod or like instrument to be inserted to aid in removing the battery from the case.

The headphone 16 is substantially identical to the headphone 14 in most respects and need not be described in detail. While headphone 16 does not contain a receiver or battery, it is provided with a terminal board 82 for establishing connection between the speaker 28 and associated members 24, 24 which comprise the headband assembly 12. The terminal board 82 is generally rectangular and disposed within the lower portion of the main compartment 44 generally adjacent the rear wall 42. It is adapted to fit in the space bounded by upper and lower portions of the sidewalls 40, 40 and the dividing wall 48. In assembly, the rear surface of the speaker 28 bears against the terminal board 82 to retain it in position adjacent the rear wall 42. A pair of electrical terminals 84, 84 mounted on the terminal board 82 are electrically connected to the speaker 28. Flexible electrical connection between each terminal 84 and an associated tab 26 is provided by a coil spring 62, as in the previously described headphone 14. it should be further noted that the point of connection between each spring 62 and its associated terminal 84 is approximately midway between the uppermost and lowermost positions of the tab 26 connected to the other end of the spring so that the length of the spring 62 remains substantially unchanged as the headband assembly 12 is moved between its various positions of adjustment relative to the headphone 16. A blank filler piece is or may be provided for insertion in the battery compartment of the headphone 16 so that the headphones will be identical in appearance.

I claim:

1. In a headset the combination comprising a hollow case having at least one guide track therein, a headband assembly including a headband having at least one electrical conductor associated therewith, said assembly having an elongated electrically conductive member slidably received in said one guide track for movement between extended and retracted positions relative to said case, said member having an outer end portion exposed externally of said case in each of said positions and electrically connected to said one connector, an electrical terminal fixedly mounted in said case, and a coil spring having one end thereof connected to said terminal and the other end thereof connected to the inner end portion of said conductive member and providing electrical connection therebetween.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spring is of such a length that its length remains substantially unchanged as said member is moved between said extended and retracted positions.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said case includes two parts and said guide track is at least partially defined by each of said two parts.

4. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said headband is made from a resilient deformable material and comprises said one conductor.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said case has another guide track generally parallel to said one guide track, said assembly includes another member slidably received in said other guide track and a connecting block extending between said one and said other member and connected to said outer end portions thereof, and including another electrical terminal fixedly mounted in said case and another coil spring, said other spring having one end thereof connected to said other terminal and the other end thereof connected to the inner end portion of said other member, said headband attached to said block and including another conductor electrically connected to the outer end portion of said other member, said one and said other member being movable in unison between said positions.

6. The combination as set forth in claim 3 wherein said track is defined by a slot in one of said parts and a projection on the other of said parts, said projection extending into said slot and having a bearing surface thereon frictionally engaging said conductive member.

7. The combination as set forth in claim 5 wherein said connecting block is made from electrical insulating material, said one electrical conductor being connected to one said member and said other electrical conductor being connected to said other member within said block.

8. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said inner end portion has a tab thereon for cooperating with an abutment surface on said case to limit travel of said headband assembly relative to said case and in the direction of said extended position.

9. in a headset the combination comprising a hollow case having at least one guide track therein, a headband assembly including a headband having at least one electrical conductor associated therewith, said assembly having an elongated electrically conductive member slidably received in said one guide track for movement between extended and retracted positions relative to said case, said member having an outer end portion exposed externally of said case in each of said positions and electrically connected to said one conductor, an electrical terminal fixedly mounted in said case, and a flexible electrical connector having one end thereof connected to said terminal and the other end thereof connected to the inner end portion of said conductive member and providing electrical connection therebetween.

10. The combination as set forth in claim 9 wherein said case has another guide track generally parallel to said one guide track, said assembly includes another member slidably received in said other guide track and a connecting block extending between said one and said other member and connected to said outer end portions thereof, and including another electrical terminal fixedly mounted in said case and another flexible electrical connector, said other flexible connector having one end thereof connected to said other terminal and the other end thereof connected to the inner end portion of said other member, said headband attached to said block and including another conductor electrically connected to the outer end portion of said other member, said one and said other member being movable in unison between said posi- 5 tions.

gz gg UNITED STATES PATENT OFHCE CERTIFICATE 0F QURREC'ilQN Dated January 18, 1972 Patent No. 3 ,636 279 Justin L. Turner Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 3, line 12, "conventionally" should read -c0nventional.

Claim 1, line '9, "connector" should read conductor-.

Signed and sealed this 1st day of August 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer 

1. In a headset the combination comprising a hollow case having at least one guide track therein, a headband assembly including a headband having at least one electrical conductor associated therewith, said assembly having an elongated electrically conductive member slidably received in said one guide track for movement between extended and retracted positions relative to said case, said member having an outer end portion exposed externally of said case in each of said positions and electrically connected to said one connector, an electrical terminal fixedly mounted in said case, and a coil spring having one end thereof connected to said terminal and the other end thereof connected to the inner end portion of said conductive member and providing electrical connection therebetween.
 2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spring is of such a length that its length remains substantially unchanged as said member is moved between said extended and retracted positions.
 3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said case includes two parts and said guide track is at least partially defined by each of said two parts.
 4. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said headband is made from a resilient deformable material and comprises said one conductor.
 5. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said case has another guide track generally parallel to said one guide track, said assembly includes another member slidably received in said other guide track and a connecting block extending between said one and said other member and connected to said outer end portions thereof, and including another electrical terminal fixedly mounted in said case and another coil spring, said other spring having one end thereof connected to said other terminal and the other end thereof connected to the inner end portion of said other member, said headband attached to said block and including another conductor electrically connected to the outer end portion of said other member, said one and said other member being movable in unison between said positions.
 6. The combination as set forth in claim 3 wherein said track is defined by a slot in one of said parts and a projection on the other of said parts, said projection extending into said slot and having a bearing surface thereon frictionally engaging said conductive member.
 7. The combination as set forth in claim 5 wherein said connecting block is made from electrical insulating material, said one electrical conductor being connected to one said member and said other electrical conductor being connected to said other member within said block.
 8. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said inner end portion has a tab thereon for cooperating with an abutment surface on said case to limit travel of said headband assembly relatIve to said case and in the direction of said extended position.
 9. In a headset the combination comprising a hollow case having at least one guide track therein, a headband assembly including a headband having at least one electrical conductor associated therewith, said assembly having an elongated electrically conductive member slidably received in said one guide track for movement between extended and retracted positions relative to said case, said member having an outer end portion exposed externally of said case in each of said positions and electrically connected to said one conductor, an electrical terminal fixedly mounted in said case, and a flexible electrical connector having one end thereof connected to said terminal and the other end thereof connected to the inner end portion of said conductive member and providing electrical connection therebetween.
 10. The combination as set forth in claim 9 wherein said case has another guide track generally parallel to said one guide track, said assembly includes another member slidably received in said other guide track and a connecting block extending between said one and said other member and connected to said outer end portions thereof, and including another electrical terminal fixedly mounted in said case and another flexible electrical connector, said other flexible connector having one end thereof connected to said other terminal and the other end thereof connected to the inner end portion of said other member, said headband attached to said block and including another conductor electrically connected to the outer end portion of said other member, said one and said other member being movable in unison between said positions. 